Another important part of the foundations to American electronic music, last released on vinyl by Folkways Records, and now reissued in the same week as Todd Dockstader’s exceptional debut LP.
Le Forte Four’s Bikini Tennis Shoes is a decidedly charming slice of avant-garde tomfoolery that practically triggered the whole LAFMS (Los Angeles Free Music Society) movement back in 1974. It’s unhinged in the best way, recklessly skipping between mad, ahead-of-their-time electronic noise, covers of The Star Spangled Banner and Stravinsky’s The Rite Of Spring and skronky lounge music with wickedly unpredictable behaviour. Easy to hear why this is counted as a classic of American anti-music, and in case you were wondering, it’s not a difficult listen either. Just properly beguiling.
Originally self-released in 1961 and later issued by Folkways, Tod Dockstader's Eight Electronic Pieces is a foundational document of American electronic music and a stunning first work from this revolutionary composer.
“Die Tödliche Doris was born out of West Berlin's lively post-punk community in the early '80s. Along with Einstürzende Neubauten, Malaria, Sprung Aus Den Wolken and Frieder Butzmann, Die Tödliche Doris ranks amongst the Geniale Dilletanten – which roughly translates as "ingenious dilettantes" – who sought to democratize cultural productions beyond the grip of both Western capitalism and GDR socialism.
